Find what you’re looking for

In the News

The College of Community and Public Affairs prepares undergraduate and graduate students to work with individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations for the public good, focusing specifically on social services, local government, non-profit organizations and higher education.

Within the College

The Office of Career and International Programs offers focused career advice beginning freshman year including internship preparation, networking, resume and cover letter building, guest speakers and panel discussions with alumni and industry professionals.

Accelerated (Fast-Track) BA-MPA Program

The Department of Public Administration offers several accelerated-degree programs,
also called fast-track programs, that are designed for exceptional Binghamton University
students who want to combine a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree over five years.

The requirements for completion of the accelerated bachelor’s-master’s degree program
are identical to those for completion of the two separate degrees. Because a set number
of credits for coursework taken for the master’s degree (500-600 level) also count
for the undergraduate degree, students are able to complete the course requirements
for the bachelor’s degree in four years and the course requirements for the accelerated bachelor’s-master’s
degree in five years. By completing the bachelor’s degree requirements during their
first four years, students are assured of the bachelor’s degree if, for any reason,
they do not complete the fifth year. Please see the course sequence template here.

Increase your earning potential. Salaries for people with master’s degrees are on average $10,000 higher than for
those with bachelor’s degrees. Over a lifetime, that makes quite a difference.

Save time. Earn your master’s degree in just one additional year instead of two.

Save money. Pay graduate tuition for only one (the fifth) year.

Cap your liberal arts education with a professional degree. The combination of a liberal arts education (for breadth and development as a citizen-scholar)
and a professional master’s degree (for specialized application) will empower you
and serve you well in our global society.

Applying to the Accelerated Degree Program

Students should declare their interest in their junior year by emailing the Coordinator
of Student Services for the MPA program, Brianna King, at bking@binghamton.edu.

A limited number of students are accepted into the program by the end of the junior
year. Admission into the program is based on academic performance, applicant’s personal
essay, letters of recommendation from faculty and an interview with the MPA Coordinator
of Student Services.

Applicants should have most of the undergraduate major completed, and all or almost
all of their general education requirements completed. Applicants should have at least
a 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate major and at least a 3.2 GPA overall. They need to
provide two letters of recommendation from people who have the expertise to evaluate
their potential in a graduate research program. They need to submit a statement (300-500
words) indicating their career goals and why they desire this program. Students should
apply online to the Graduate School and indicate that they are applying for the accelerated bachelor’s-master’s degree
program. All requirements of applicants by the Graduate School and department must
be met.

Find what you’re looking for

In the News

The College of Community and Public Affairs prepares undergraduate and graduate students to work with individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations for the public good, focusing specifically on social services, local government, non-profit organizations and higher education.

Within the College

The Office of Career and International Programs offers focused career advice beginning freshman year including internship preparation, networking, resume and cover letter building, guest speakers and panel discussions with alumni and industry professionals.